There’s a glorious tradition of talented sax players who shunned the limelight to spend almost their entire careers as loyal acolytes to Sun Ra – from tenorist John Gilmore to the Arkestra’s current leader, Marshall Allen. Add altoist Knoel Scott to that list. He’s been on board the Arkestral space caravan for the best part of 40 years, so it’s good to see him now finally releasing his debut as a leader.

After so many years bathing in his cosmic influence, it’s unsurprising that the date orbits Ra’s world. Allen’s on hand providing his unmistakeably raw alto bark and ethereal whooshes on the Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI), alongside erstwhile Arkestra drummer Chris Henderson – and the group is rounded out by two young UK players.

Scott’s compositions feel like part of a typically wide-ranging vintage Arkestra session too. ‘Les Funambules’ is a jaunty, boppish swinger with Scott blowing smooth against Allen’s impenetrable roughness. ‘Celestial’ is a haunting space ballad with Scott on lilting flute and crooning lyrics by former Arkestra vocalist Art Jenkins in a tremulous baritone. And ‘Makanda’ is a mix of sunshine funk and Latin heat. Throw in a couple of fiery free-form improvisations and it’s a gift to all astral travellers.